John is a 34-year-old male who was recently admitted to the psychiatric unit following a series of concerning behaviors at his workplace and home
This assignment is to support the application of a strength’s perspective and a clinical evaluation framework, such as the Bio/Psych/Social model, to assess and diagnose two distinct clients: John Smith and Emily Johnson, in the context of their presenting symptoms.
This essay will examine each client’s background and current symptoms to establish a working diagnosis, supported by relevant diagnostic criteria. The goal is to analyze each client’s condition comprehensively and provide a diagnostic formulation grounded in scholarly research and evidence-based practices. This will involve a detailed exploration of their symptoms, functioning, and overall psychological well-being.
Please address each client’s presenting symptoms that support your diagnoses. Write an essay (1,000-1,200 words) that includes the following:
Outline both clients’ presenting symptoms and overall diagnostic criteria to support a working diagnosis for each client.
Applying both a strengths perspective and a social-work-based, clinical evaluation, such as a biopsychosocial assessment, explain how you, as the treating clinical social worker, would assess and diagnose these clients.
Explain the importance of a competent, accurate diagnosis and the potential stigma attached to your diagnoses for these clients.
Discuss how a social worker with the Christian worldview would handle stigma attached to potential diagnoses for these clients.
Cite three to five scholarly sources to support your claims.
Case Study 1:
John Smith, 34 years old
Background: John is a 34-year-old male who was recently admitted to the psychiatric unit following a series of concerning behaviors at his workplace and home. His family reported that John has been exhibiting strange behaviors for the past 6 months, including believing that he is being followed and overheard, as well as seeing things that others do not. These symptoms have intensified over the past month, leading to his current hospitalization. In your evaluation sessions, John appears disheveled with poor grooming and hygiene. His clothing is unkempt and mismatched. He is agitated, pacing the room, and seems to be preoccupied with internal stimuli. His engagement with the interviewer is inconsistent. His speech is disorganized, and he often shifts topics abruptly. His thought process is marked by paranoia and delusional content. John’s mood is anxious and fearful. His affect is constricted, and he appears distressed. John’s orientation to time, place, and person is generally intact, but his attention and concentration are poor. He has difficulty following simple instructions. Short-term and long-term memory appear to be impaired due to his preoccupation with delusional thoughts. Immediate recall is affected. John has poor insight into his condition and the impact of his symptoms on his functioning. His judgment is compromised due to his delusional beliefs.
Presenting Issues: John has a history of intermittent drug use but denies recent substance abuse. He presents with symptoms consistent with a psychotic disorder, including:
Delusions: John firmly believes that he is being targeted by a secret organization and that his thoughts are being broadcasted to others.
Hallucinations: He reports hearing voices that command him to act in ways he describes as “protective” but which seem irrational to others.
Disorganized Thinking: John’s speech is often fragmented and disorganized, with frequent derailment and tangential responses during conversations.
Behavior: He exhibits erratic and suspicious behavior, avoiding eye contact and showing agitation when questioned about his beliefs.
Case Study 2:
Major Depressive Disorder- Emily Johnson, 42 years old
Background: Emily is a 42-year-old female who has been referred for evaluation following a significant decline in her mood and functioning over the past six months. She has a history of major depressive disorder and was previously stable on medication. Recently, she reports a worsening of her symptoms, including persistent sadness, lack of energy, and difficulties in maintaining daily responsibilities.
Presenting Issues: Emily exhibits classic symptoms of major depressive disorder:
Depressed Mood: Emily describes feeling persistently sad and hopeless. She reports a significant decrease in interest in activities she previously enjoyed.
Energy Levels: She experiences profound fatigue and finds it challenging to complete even simple tasks.
Sleep Disturbances: Emily reports insomnia, frequently waking up early in the morning and unable to return to sleep.
Appetite Changes: She has experienced a noticeable decrease in appetite and weight loss over the past few months.
Concentration: She has difficulty concentrating and making decisions, which affects her work performance and personal life.
Self-Esteem: Emily has low self-esteem and expresses feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Emily appears disheveled with poor personal hygiene. Her clothing is casual and shows signs of neglect. She is withdrawn and engages minimally with the interviewer. She avoids eye contact and speaks in a low, monotone voice. Her speech is slow and hesitant. She provides brief and concrete responses, with little elaboration. Emily’s mood is depressed, and her affect is flat. She exhibits little emotional range and appears tearful. Emily’s orientation to time, place, and person is intact. However, her concentration is poor, and she struggles with tasks that require sustained attention. Both short-term and long-term memory are functional, but she has difficulty recalling recent events due to her low concentration. Emily shows insight into her depressive symptoms and their impact on her life. Her judgment is generally intact, though her decision-making ability is compromised by her current state.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
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